199: From Start to Finish Lines with Alan and Grace Young

In episode 199, we visit with runDisney royalty Alan and Grace Young, who share their remarkable 30+ year journey with Walt Disney World Marathon. Alan holds the incredible distinction of running every single Walt Disney World Marathon since its 1994 inception—a legacy he's maintained through strokes, surgeries, and countless challenges. "I never consider not finishing as an option," he explains, offering a masterclass in perseverance. Together, he and Grace chronicle the evolution of runDisney from its humble beginnings—when merchandise was sold at the airport instead of expos and costumes were nonexistent—to the celebration it's become today.Perhaps most touching is the story behind their famous friendship bracelets. What began as therapy following Alan's stroke has blossomed into over 4,000 handcrafted tokens of community that have traveled to all seven continents. This beautiful gesture perfectly captures the spirit of the running community they've helped foster.The episode wraps with our Race Report Spotlight featuring Michelle from Erie, Pennsylvania, who shares her North East Cherry Festival 5K experience and how seeing runners who looked like her at Disney inspired her to begin her own journey.Ready to rediscover your running motivation or connect with fellow Disney runners? Subscribe now and join our Zoom meetup this Thursday—details in our Facebook group!Send us Fan MailSupport the showRise and Run Podcast is supported by our audience. When you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Sponsor LinksMagic Bound Travel    Stoked Metabolic CoachingAffiliate LinksThe Start Line Co.Fluffy FizziesMona Moon Naturals Rise and Run Amazon Affiliate Web Page Kawaiian Pizza ApparelGoGuarded